Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

"If It Seems Too Good To Be True . . ."

Sep. 16, 2010

. . . He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. John 8:44b-45

Hanson Real Estate in Escondido, California, is giving away a house.

Yes, you heard me right; they're giving away a house. True, it's not a big house, and it's a relatively old house, but it's still a house -- in Escondido, California.

Does that announcement seem too good to be true?

Well, it kind of is because there is a catch.

Now it's true, the house is free. But it's also true the free house must be moved off the land where it's currently located. Best estimates say moving that old house is going to cost the new owners a minimum of $10,000.

All of which means the house is free, but it's not really free -- free.

Now Hanson Real Estate is to be commended. They are being up front about the "catch."

This makes them quite different than the devil. You see, the "father of lies" often tells us things which seem too good to be true -- and are. For example, he told Adam and Eve their eyes would be opened if they ate from the forbidden tree.

Somehow he neglected to mention there would be a catch -- a catch which has cost humanity most dearly.

Our first ancestors learned a lesson which has been repeated again and again -- repeated again and again, that is, by us. In your recollection you can probably come up with a time when the devil made you an offer which seemed fantastic. Only later, after you had fallen victim to his temptation did you find you had been hoodwinked.

All of this leads us to say that if you're going to believe someone, believe the Lord. His Word has always been reliable; His promises are trustworthy; His love is unquestionable.

If you have any doubt about that, look to the Bethlehem manger, Calvary's cross, and the empty tomb. There you will find the truth, the whole truth, and that Jesus is the truth.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive us for buying into Satan's lies and half-truths. Turn our hearts so that we may trust You and You alone for guidance, direction, and salvation. In the Name of our crucified and ever-living Savior, we pray it. Amen.

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